A Generous Sponsorship from The Mutal Bank
‘Supporting Volunteer Wellbeing’
Volunteers for Palliative Care Inc. (VFPC) is proud to acknowledge the generous sponsorship of $4,000 from The Mutual Bank, supporting our mission to promote the wellbeing and mental health of our dedicated volunteers.
This funding was awarded in response to our application for support of initiatives that prioritise emotional resilience and mental health. We are deeply grateful to The Mutual Bank for recognising the importance of this work and investing in the health and sustainability of our volunteer community.
Following consultation with our team, VFPC identified three key initiatives to be implemented over a 12-month period. These initiatives were designed to provide meaningful support, education, and resources to ensure our volunteers feel valued, supported, and equipped to navigate the emotional demands of their roles:
- Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP)
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- Annual Education Session on Volunteer Wellbeing
We began with the Annual Education Session, held during our National Volunteer Week Celebration Lunch in May 2025 at The George Tavern, East Maitland. We were honoured to welcome Mandy Cox, Registered Clinical Counsellor from Urban Sparrow Counselling and Supervision Service, who delivered an inspiring presentation on self-care. Mandy introduced the concept of the “Three M’s”—a simple yet powerful framework for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing:
Motive: What drew you to this work? Reflecting on your original motivation helps reignite purpose and energy, especially during challenging times.
Maintenance: How do you sustain yourself in this role? Caring for your body and mind is essential to continue showing up fully and compassionately.
Meaning: What does this work mean to you? Understanding how it shapes your view of life and relationships brings depth and fulfilment to your volunteering journey.
Mandy’s message resonated deeply with our volunteers and added great value to the day.
In September, we implemented Mental Health First Aid Training through MiTraining. Two Volunteers and our Volunteer Coordinator completed the course, and we now have three certified Mental Health First Aid responders within our team. This initiative has significantly strengthened our internal support network, enhancing our capacity to respond effectively when a mental health concern arises within the volunteer team.
Finally, we launched the Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP), modelled on an Employee Assistance Program. This initiative offers confidential counselling services tailored specifically to the needs of VFPC volunteers. We partnered with Tim Martin Counselling and Psychotherapy, a respected local provider known for his compassionate approach. Each volunteer is offered up to three sessions, with further support available via a Mental Health Care Plan through their GP if needed.
In addition to these core initiatives, VFPC continues to foster connection and appreciation through regular events such as morning teas, midyear gatherings, and a pre-Christmas thank-you lunch. These moments of recognition help build a strong sense of community and support.
As referrals to VFPC continue to grow, so does the need to recruit new volunteers. The positive image generated by these activities has helped us attract new members and highlight the value of our service across the Maitland area.
The Mutual Bank’s support has provided a level of security that enables our Board and Coordinator to respond proactively to volunteer needs. The success of VFPC depends on the skill, commitment, and wellbeing of our volunteers, and this sponsorship has helped ensure we remain a trusted, proactive, and sustainable service.
We extend our sincere thanks to The Mutual Bank for their generous support and shared commitment to the wellbeing of our Volunteers. This sponsorship will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who give so much of themselves to support others in their time of need.
